Belmond group introduced its collection of boutique luxury hotels, trains and cruises to India on its first sales mission to Mumbai and Delhi.

Mr Andrea Filippi, Executive Director, Worldwide Sales, Belmond, said: “India is a very exciting market for us and has huge potential with number of Indian visitors growing. Asia is an important market. But India is possibly the most promising because what we have seen about India is the authentic thirst for discovering new destinations and approaching new cultures. Belmond has on offer, all of these. We are not huge in Asia. We have just five small resorts in Koh Samui, Bali, Siam Reap, Luang Prabhang and in Yangon. We have river cruises in Myanmar.”

Belmond representatives highlighted their commitment to the growing Indian market. Pictured are Belmond representatives from destinations around the world, including Peru, Italy, Asia and Russia.

Originally named the Orient Express, the group got a new branding Belmond, meaning ‘beautiful world’ last March.

Mr Filippi said: “We pride ourselves as pioneers in unveiling new destinations. Myanmar is attracting attention now. But we run Luxury River cruises there since 20 years. Peru is another example where we were the first ones to open a hotel in 1999. Now we have five beautiful hotels including the only hotel on the site of Machu Picchu and another luxury train that connects Cusco to Machu Picchu.”

Each hotel of Belmond is unique, reflects local architecture and culture, and is present in strategic locations. Some of these hotels are also fine locations for weddings. Belmond provides romantic journeys across Europe. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has authentically restored carriages.

The group plans to launch its seventh train Belmond Grand Hibernian, a brand new luxury train in Ireland next year. The 40 passenger train for two or four night journey will have king-size beds and a private shower facility. First hotel in London, Belmond Cadogan Hotel is scheduled to open in early 2017. The 54 all-suite hotel in the heart of Chelsea and Knights Bridge is being built at an investment of 48 million dollars.

Mr Filippi said that the group is keen to enter India, may be to manage a suitable luxury hotel on contract. Heavens Portfolio is representing Belmond hotels in India since last year. Ms. Vani Singh in Delhi and Ms. Hita Almeida in Mumbai are contact person for sales.